Psych-garage outfit Needle Points stopped by WKDU studios to perform on April 28, 2014. The band opened the set with a new tune called "Just Watch Me Now," and proceeded to play songs from the group’s debut EP Bom Tugangu. The in-studio session was mixed by Nick Myers and Esmail Himidi.
L.A.
Posted on:
Highlands announce sophomore album Dark Matter Traveler, share new track “Beauty”
Psychedelic rock lovers, perk your ears! Long Beach natives Highlands are set to release their upcoming album Dark Matter Traveler on July 15th through their own label, Say Again Records.
The band tags themselves beneath “rock, shoegaze and psychedelic rock” genres, which does a pretty decent job of putting their music into perspective. As any good shoegazing, psych-rocking band would, Highlands blankets their tunes in thick coats of drone and fuzz. The depth and warmth of their sound as well as their ethereal harmonies lulls listeners into an aural trance until that moment of cognizance brigns awareness as to how hard this band is going. For instance, the track “Beauty”, which the band recently released for streaming on Brooklyn Vegan, features a pummeling drum line kneading its way through the doughy layers of distorted thickness and echoing vocals that characterize the track. Give it a listen! – Ted Jamison
NYC
Posted on:
Middle Eastern influenced synth-pop in NYC: Sırma releases single ‘Intuition’ at Pianos on 06.07
Even though NYC is a hodgepodge of ethnicity, it’s certainly not famous for producing musical artists influenced by Middle Eastern music (at least as far as we know…). That’s a void filled in part by Sirma, a Turkish singer and producer currently based in NYC who mixes musical elements from her native land with Western pop, English lirycs, and electronic sounds. In her latest single, the opening sustained notes of a Yaylı Tanbur remind us that musical drones weren’t invented by The Velvet Underground. A wall of sound of synths unexpectedly explodes mid-song, giving the tune an edge that almost counteracts its open melodies. Check it out streaming below, and see Sirma live at Pianos on June 7 for the single’s release show.
Chicago
Posted on:
Velocicopter
Velocicopter recently released a digital single containing "Galvanizer" b/w "Tongues". Both tracks are taken from the band’s forthcoming album Pals.
You can catch Velocicopter at Do Division West Stage on Sunday June 1st. They will also be performing at Hideout on June 20th.
Philadelphia
Posted on:
Lux Perpetua Album Release Show at JB’s May 29
Convene this evening to celebrate the release of Hehbehdehbehbehdeh, The long-awaited, years-in-the-making LP from Lux Perpetua the, moniker of Justin Wolf (formerly of The Extraordinaires). The album is being released via Color Theory Records a DIY label/collaboration between Wolf and The Extraordinaires Jay Purdy. (You can learn more about the production of the record and their record label from our interview with Justin Wold earlier in the week HERE.) There is a calculated musical texture that provides a slow-cooked depth to Lux Perpetua’s sound. Amid the jangly hypnotic grooves and vocal harmonies, these calculations tighten up an overall loose, fun sound. Joining in on the festivities will be the always-entertaining The Extraordinaires, who continually find new ways to musically cross-genre pollinate, creating combinations that surprise and invigorate. The soul-infused rock of Andrew Cedermark will open the show. Johnny Brenda’s 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
NYC
Posted on:
Stone Cold Fox releases debut LP ‘Memory Palace’
Started as a project between friends, Brooklyn rock band Stone Cold Fox has slowly evolved into a fully form band. Kevin Olken and Ariel Loh met at SUNY Purchase and began working together on acoustic compositions, soon after adding guitar, bass and drums to their catchy alt pop tunes. With ‘Memory Palace,’ their first full-length and latest release, SCF seem to have fully rounded out their style. While most of their lyrics and sounds have a love lost, sentimental aspect, the band keeps things danceable and upbeat for most of the record. The quintet’s sound is reminiscent of the even paced style of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, with occasional excursions into electro-pop (‘Time’s Up’), not so occasional ones into sparser ballads (‘Graduation,’ ‘Memory Place’) while flirting with Americana and semi-epic pop overtones. Rather than looking back and being nostalgic, SCF seems to be growing and maturing with each track. Check their website for upcoming shows in NYC and listen to single ‘Seventeen’ – streaming. – Joe Fish
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Alt Rock songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
New England
Posted on:
Tonight: Catch a Rockin’ Show Curated by Refuse Rethink Rebuild Records and Bishop and Rook Blog
Searching for your rowdy show fix for the week? Look no further than Great Scott in Allston. Tonight, Boston DIY label Refuse Rethink Rebuild Records and local independent music blog Bishop And Rook have compiled one heavy bill for your listening pleasure.The Dirty Looks, Yellabird, Wrong Body and The Darker Hues will be taking the stage to fill your ears with rock n’ roll goodness. A highlight for me on this bill is definitely the super-heavy, distorted riffs of Yellabird–those dudes can bring the noise like nobody’s business. Doors are at 8:30PM, $10, 18+ with proper ID required.
For more information, visit the Facebook event for this show, or purchase tickets through Ticketmaster here.
-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)
Philadelphia
Posted on:
New Video: “All I Love” (Live – Acoustic) – The Hundred Acre Woods
The Hundred Acre Woods are headlining tonight at the Tin Angel. The band will be supported at the Old City listening room by Former Belle and Steady Hands. The Hundred Acre Woods also recently did a stripped-down performance of "All I Love" for the launch of Schuylkill Sessions, a series that will capture local artists playing their tunes alongside the natural backdrop of the river. You can check out the inaugural session below.
Nashville
Posted on:
Atomic Sweater Records Presents Judson McKinney 5.30
Judson McKinney has the distinction of playing the last show in a series presented by Atomic Sweater Records at The Church this Friday. The songwriter manages to weave together several disparate elements into his latest single, "Moonpie," released this April. From the synth to the easy listening vibe of the guitar to sampling that took my brain right to Passion Pit’s "Sleepyhead," he strikes a balance between creating a whimsical experience without coming across as too silly or twee. The Church will provide an appropriately surreal compliment to McKinney’s dreamy bent on alt-folk, and this will be your last chance to catch a show at this location. Friday’s show will start at 9pm, cover is $7, and the address is 1703 Jo Johnston Ave, Nashville, TN 37203. -Terra James-Jura
NYC
Posted on:
Album review: The Big Iron – We Will Fall
(Photo by Todd Zimmer)
The Big Iron has something to say, and you are going to listen. On its latest release We Will Fall, The Big Iron captures the aggression of ‘90s hardcore punk rock while peppering in surf and foot stompin’ southern rock. The 12-song release is well comprised of all the things I love about this genre: aggression with a message and catchy hooks.
Throughout the record I reminisce about the days of fighting "the man,” scoring a pint, and evading the fuzz on my skateboard. Straight ahead, The Big Iron rides while dragging everyone else behind them. "We all are gonna die / we don’t know how to live" sums up the the band’s message on the title track. Let’s burn this mother down and party while we do it!
The first track, "Climate Refuge," opens with a tremolo surf riff that entices the listener to play along. There’s more going on here than just a surf punk song, however. The message is dark and gloomy, accusing the human race of destroying its own environment. Pretty deep stuff for a punk band.
"Trees Explode" is an epic, soaring track. Frontman Jeff Pendergraft yells and screams over a spacey groove with an intensity unmatched by most.
"Atomic Acid Groove" is psychedelic punk rock song to the nth degree. Rise and fall, the pendulum swings until all the kinetic energy resolves. Anyone that has partaken in mind-altering substances can relate to this track. Traveling through time, leaving nothing behind, and all the while unaware that the oasis just ahead is slowly fading.
Doesn’t everyone dream about absolutely crushing your opponent? Whether that opponent is a boss, friend, foe or stranger no one can be saved on "F.P.F.U.” Pendergraft screams, "Your God isn’t here! It’s just you and me!" Meanwhile, palm-muted guitars punch through and finish the job. There’s no pussy footin’ around on this track.
While there are some softer tunes like "Letter to a Grave" "Saturated" and "This is the End", the message remains the same; through fire and flame, with reckless abandonment, The Big Iron screams, “FUCK YOU!”
I’m personally thankful for bands like The Big Iron. We all need a voice that says what we really want to say, and on We Will Fall, that voice is loud and clear. You won’t need to keep your eyes and ears open for The Big Iron. They will find you, and you will see and listen.
—Josh Simcosky
Josh is a KC native that loves anything meat- or tube-driven related. He also plays guitar for Leering Heathens and Sharp Weapons.
Head over to recordBar on Friday, May 30, for an evening of loud, heavy rock ‘n roll, as The Big Iron celebrates the release of We Will Fall. The Death Scene and The Philistines will open. Starts at 10 p.m. Facebook event page.
San Francisco
Posted on:
SF Band to Watch: C A T H E D R A L S
Experimental electronic duo, C A T H E D R A L S is definitely a Bay Area based band to pay attention to. With their eerie twist on mainstream indie music, this band creates dark and artistic soundscapes that are coated with pristine female vocal layering and powerful instrumental climaxes.
C A T H E D R A L S is drawing a lot of attention and conveys a similar sound to Lana Del Rey, but this duo is a lot more thoughtful and sincere with their compositions. Once you turn on their latest track, Harlem, it will be hard to ignore the quality of the song, and the heartfelt effort that pulses through every note of the band’s music.
Chicago
Posted on:
Charming Axe @ Szold Hall
The folk trio Charming Axe have released their latest album Gathering Days. The album is honest, simple Americana with a tremendous amount of charm at it core.
You can help Charming Axe celebrate the new album on June 1st at Old Town School’s Szold Hall at 4pm with Sweet Hello.